The 4th grade STAAR test is a major jump from 3rd grade and an important step forward in your child’s academic growth, and Ariav, our STAAR expert, is here to help make all the difference.
In 4th grade, students face more complex reading passages, multi-step math problems, and more structured writing expectations. With effective practice, your child can approach the test feeling confident, capable, and prepared.
On this page, you’ll find:
Welcome to 4th grade STAAR practice! These questions are more advanced than 3rd grade, incorporating geometry, decimals, data analysis, and deeper reading and writing skills.
As parents, it helps to understand what skills are being tested. Here are sample questions that represent what your child will encounter.
Answer the following question:
Sam wants to grow his own vegetable garden. The plot of land Sam plowed for his garden has two obtuse angles.
Which figure could be the one Sam plowed?
Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
The correct answer is C.
An obtuse angle is an angle greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. Since the figure has two obtuse angles, it cannot be a square (which has only right angles), or a rectangle (which also has right angles).
So, the correct answer is C. Trapezoid.
Now let's move to working with decimal numbers. This STAAR Test question assesses your child's ability to add decimal numbers, requiring them to properly align decimal points.
Answer the following question:
A man lifts two different weights at the gym.
What is the total weight of both weights?
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Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
The correct answer is 9.58.
Write the numbers in vertical alignment. When adding decimals, align the numbers by their decimal points. Add extra zeros if necessary to ensure the same number of decimal places for both numbers. This helps avoid confusion.
Add each digit to the corresponding digit in the second number:
Data analysis and interpretation become more complex in 4th grade. This next STAAR sample question asks you to analyze information presented in a table:
Joey attends several activities after school. The table shows some of the activities and how many times he attended each one in a four-month period.
|
|
March |
April |
May |
June |
|
Soccer |
3 |
7 |
4 |
0 |
|
Crafts |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Trumpet Lessons |
1 |
3 |
0 |
5 |
|
Cooking |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Which of the activities that Joey is attending are most likely non-compulsory?
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
The correct answer is B.
The key points are:
STAAR Test Math Tip- Look for "Action Words"
4th graders often know how to do the math, but they struggle with when to do it. Encourage your child to be a "math detective" and circle these specific words that signal which operation to use:
The 4th grade STAAR reading section features more sophisticated texts, including plays and informational passages. This play format tests your child's ability to follow dialogue, understand character motivation, and draw conclusions from text evidence.
The Mystery of the Missing Cookie
1.SCENE 1 [In the school cafeteria, during lunch break. Emma and Alex are sitting at a table with their lunches.]
2. EMMA: I brought my favorite chocolate chip cookie for dessert today. I've been looking forward to it all morning!
3. ALEX: Yum, that sounds delicious! I wish I had one too.
4. [Emma opens her lunchbox to find her cookie missing.]
5. EMMA: Oh no! My cookie is gone! I was sure I packed it this morning.
6. ALEX: That's strange. Are you sure you didn't eat it already?
7. EMMA: Positive. I've been saving it for last.
8. ALEX: Let's look around; maybe it fell out of your lunchbox.
9. [They search the area but don't find the cookie.]
10. EMMA: It's really gone. I wonder what happened to it.
11. SCENE 2[After lunch, in the classroom. Emma and Alex are talking to their teacher, Mrs. Green.]
12. EMMA: Mrs. Green, someone took my cookie during lunch.
13. MRS. GREEN: Are you sure, Emma? Maybe it's just misplaced.
14. ALEX: We already looked everywhere in the cafeteria.
15. MRS. GREEN: Let's not jump to conclusions. Cookies don't just walk away on their own.
16. EMMA: I know, but it's missing, and I didn't eat it.
17. MRS. GREEN: Let's think this through. Is there anyone who might have seen your cookie?
18. [Emma and Alex think for a moment.]
19. EMMA: Maybe Lily saw something. She sits at the next table.
20. MRS. GREEN: Alright, let's ask Lily after class.
21. SCENE 3 [Later, Emma and Alex approach Lily.]
22. EMMA: Lily, did you see what happened to my chocolate chip cookie at lunch?
23. LILY: Oh, your cookie? I saw a crow fly in through the open window and grab something from your table. Maybe that was it?
24. EMMA: A crow? I didn't even notice!
25. ALEX: That explains it! The mystery of the missing cookie is solved.
26. EMMA: I'm relieved it wasn't stolen by someone. Thanks for your help, Lily.
27. LILY: You're welcome. Next time, we should keep an eye on those sneaky crows!
Why is Emma upset in Scene 1?
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Correct!
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The correct answer is B.
The text explicitly states that Emma brought her "favorite chocolate chip cookie for dessert" and was "looking forward to it all morning!" However, when she opens her lunchbox, she exclaims "Oh no! My cookie is gone! I was sure I packed it this morning."
This clearly indicates that the reason Emma is upset is because her favorite cookie, which she was eagerly anticipating, is missing from her lunchbox.
The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the information given in the text:
Vocabulary becomes more challenging in 4th grade. This next question tests your understanding of context clues:
What does the word "misplaced" mean in line 13?
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Wrong
Correct!
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The correct answer is C.
The question asks what the word "misplaced" means in line 13 of the passage. Looking at the context, Mrs. Green suggests that "maybe it's just misplaced" when referring to Emma's missing cookie.
Reviewing the answer choices:
So the correct answer is C. Put in the wrong place.
The explanation provided in the passage supports this, noting that "misplaced" suggests the cookie was "put somewhere unexpected or incorrect, rather than being lost or stolen."
Now let's analyze character development and text evidence:
Which line from the story best supports the idea that Emma realizes the cookie wasn't stolen by a person?
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Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
The correct answer is D.
This line directly reflects Emma's realization and relief that the disappearance of her cookie was due to an unexpected event (a crow taking it) rather than a person intentionally taking it. The other options (A, B, C) do not clearly support the idea that Emma realized her cookie wasn't stolen by a person.
What happens during the 4th Grade RLA test
Responses are scored using TEA rubrics that evaluate how well students explain their ideas with text evidence and how clearly and correctly they write.
STAAR Test Reading Tip – Use the Context:
When facing questions about vocabulary, like Question 2, use the surrounding text to figure out the meaning of a word. Read the lines before and after, and think about how the word fits into the story.
For example:
In the line "Maybe it's just misplaced," Mrs. Green is suggesting the cookie isn’t lost forever or stolen—it’s just not where it’s supposed to be. This eliminates incorrect options.
With the right preparation, your child can approach the 4th grade STAAR feeling confident and ready.
Once you receive your child’s score report, you’ll see both their performance level and a breakdown of which skills they’ve mastered and which need more work. This information helps teachers adjust instruction and helps families support learning at home.
STAAR results typically fall into these levels:
Schools use these results to guide instruction. Our 4th grade Prep Pack supports growth at every level, from extra help to advanced mastery.
Everything your child needs to build skills, strengthen confidence, and succeed on the 4th grade STAAR.
Full-length tests covering
STAAR RLA and STAAR Math
Math quizzes and Reading quizzes
Each quiz focused on a different sub-topic
A certified teacher with a Master’s in Education and a STAAR Test specialist with over a decade of experience developing STAAR-aligned questions that match the real test’s rigor. Ariav creates materials with clear, detailed explanations that build understanding, boost reasoning skills, and help every child perform their best on the STAAR assessment.
The STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) test measures your child’s understanding of 4th-grade math, reading, and writing standards. This is a key year for building strong skills that will support future success.
Most Texas students take the STAAR test in the spring, usually between April and May.
Yes. Parents and guardians can access individual STAAR results through the Texas Assessment Family Portal once scores are released.
Parents can log in to the TEA Family Portal at https://txfamilyportal.org
or use the portal link on TexasAssessment.gov.
Promotion decisions are made by local districts. STAAR results may be considered along with classroom performance and other factors, but there is no state-wide rule requiring passing STAAR for promotion.
Use realistic practice questions, reinforce key skills, and establish a calm, consistent routine. Focus on building confidence and problem-solving skills, not just scores.
Yes. Our practice tests closely mirror the format, difficulty, and content of the actual STAAR exam, with step-by-step answers that reinforce classroom skills.
Short, consistent practice sessions over several weeks are more effective than last-minute cramming.
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